No Room for Mistakes for the Gunners in the Europa League

Europa League Round of 32

Currently sixth in the Premier League and seven points off the fourth place, Arsenal are once again in danger of missing the Champions League. Nonetheless, they still have a chance in the Europa League football games, which they will hope to use to secure their way to Europe’s biggest stage.

The Gunners face Swedish side Ostersunds FK in the Round of 32 this week, and betting odds suggest they are off to a relatively easy time. Arsene Wenger’s men are at 1.06 to advance to the next round and are even tipped at -1.00 @ 2.04 on Asian Handicap betting.

Arsenal are no longer in the FA Cup and, though that might be frustrating for fans, it puts them at an advantage as they can now focus in the second-tier continental competition.

Despite being the only English team remaining, however, Arsenal can’t afford to relax. They won’t be with the ineligible Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and it won’t help that Alexandre Lacazette is short in confidence right now. Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are also gone, which will certainly put the Gunners’ depth to the test.

Ostersunds are a capable side as well and could spring a surprise if given the opening. After their meteoric rise in Sweden’s top division, they have proven in Europa that they can take on the big boys—as seen in their group stage draws with the likes of Athletic Bilbao and Hertha BSC.

To add more pressure to the Gunners, they are not the only heavyweights in the tournament. In fact, they are only second to Atletico Madrid (4.80) to lift the trophy. The Spanish giants face FC Copenhagen in this round and are expected to dominate.

Not to mention that there are also teams from top European competitions such as La Liga clubs Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal; Serie A outfits Napoli, Atalanta, Lazio and AC Milan; and Bundesliga contenders RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

Indeed, Arsenal have no room for any slip-ups from here on out. All teams in the contest will eye for that precious Champions League spot, so it will surely be a difficult road full of goals, drama and surprises!

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